April is the time in the gardening year to really move up a gear. If you haven’t already returned outside, now is definitely the time to do so – get on top of your garden before it gets on top of you! The biggest obstacle in the garden is making a start. It is sometimes difficult to know where to begin. I find that having a good tidy up is the best way to ease myself back into the swing of things. Here’s a few other jobs to be getting on with after limbering up.
Look after Bulbs
Remove dead heads from bulbs that have finished flowering. If left they will produce seeds which slows down root development and that weakens the bulb. Leave the leaves of daffodils or tie them up and allow them to die back naturally. This allows the bulbs to recharge themselves for more beautiful flowers next year. Divide any congested clumps and replant them in a new plane at the same depth the clump was originally.
Pruning
Prune winter flowering shrubs such as Jasmine or Viburnum to improve their shape. Spring flowering bulbs such as Forsythia generally need more extensive pruning and should be done after flowering. Cut away the oldest shoots to encourage new growth this season for a good display next year. Remove dead wood and damaged shoots that may encourage disease in the plant.
Sowing Annuals
Sow annual seeds straight into well-prepared soil weed free soil. Spread them thinly and cover with a thin layer of soil. Water them in well with a fine hose or watering can. Larger seeds should be sown individually to a depth equalling their size. Again, water the seeds in well. Remember to scatter the seeds because of they grow up on top of each other the seedlings will become weak and disease is encouraged.
Winter–Flowering Heathers
Clip the old flowers off winter flowering heather. Take care not to cut into the old wood.
Soil Preparation
Prepare areas where summer bedding will be planted out in late May. Pull out all weeds and roots. Feed with organic matter or plant food.
Sweet Peas
Sow sweet peas outside where you want them to flower.
Outdoor Sowing in the Vegetable Plot
Crops to outside now include mange-tout, broad beans, beetroot, lettuce, parsnip, onion, garlic, peas, spinach, radish, turnips and herbs. Sow Brussels sprouts, summer cauliflower and cabbage in a seedbed or tray to transplant into final position in May.
Clean Paving
Pressure wash paving and steps to remove slippery algae and dirt.
Perennials
Place plant support frames over clumps of tall perennials so new stems grow up through them and
hide them completely.
Borders
Add a good mulch of organic compost or bone meal around shrubs and roses to give them a good start for the season.
Did you know? Traditionally, Pansies are a sign that you are always in some-ones thoughts. Blue pansies mean “I miss you”, purple mean “I am filled with passion for you”, and orange is the symbol for warm hugs!
Water any new plants that you buy from the garden centres. They are usually quite dry when you get them home. Water them again well when it is time to put them into pots or the garden.
Even if it has rained, water newly planted fruit trees, roses and shrubs regularly to help their root systems establish.
Now that the growing season has started the weeds will try and win the race to take over their environment. Hoe borders once a week to prevent weed seedlings establishing. Any plants with tap roots such as dandelions should be totally dug out or they will come back to haunt you in summer Getting in the professionalsIts that time of year when the public wake up to the fact that they might need the services of a gardener or landscape gardener. All winter these poor souls have been huddled over a stove in a freezing shed waiting for the weather to warm up so they would be noticed. Spare a thought for them, as everyone suddenly wants them at the same time. If they tell you that they will be with you in a couple of weeks as they are busy please do not be too hard on them, there’s a lot to do and not everything has to be done yesterday!
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